Category: Diet

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Adult Birds

When looking for a pet, just as we are drawn to puppies and kittens, so are we drawn to baby parrots. Sometimes people have had bad experiences with adult birds, thinking that they are more prone to biting, bite harder, or come with bad behaviors. This is not the case for many older birds though, which may need a new home for a variety of reasons: such as moving, a personal illness, or other hardships.

It is important to remember that older birds have undergone a major change in their usual routine and may need a longer time to adjust to new people, new surroundings, and a new routine. It is best to work in short training sessions that end positively.

Usually adult birds have grown into their personality, but parrots are very intelligent and can learn at any age. Even adults can learn “step up”, new words and sounds, transition to healthier diets, and learn new tricks and behaviors. It just takes patience and time. In many cases adult birds have already been handled and know how step up very well! You may also know how they react to children, other birds or animals, and if they have any preferences towards men or women.

Starting out with a bird that is not a baby can be very rewarding, and they may even surprise you with how much they know!

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Vitamin Supplements

Vitamins for birds come in many brands and forms, like blocks, powders, and liquids. If your bird is on a seed based diet, supplementing is recommended to ensure they are getting balanced nutrition.

  • Mineral blocks are convenient because you can attach them anywhere in the cage and the birds can chew on them at any time so you don’t need to worry about adding vitamins daily. They are also inexpensive, and long-lasting. The drawbacks are that some birds aren’t interested in them, or like to perch on them and dirty them with droppings. There are a few alternatives, like mineral blocks that are incorporated into toys, or that are shaped as perches.

  • Powdered vitamins are popular, especially brands such as Prime and Super Preen. This form of vitamin can be sprinkled over seeds, but sometimes may settled to the bottom. It is more effective when sprinkled over fruits and vegetables because it can stick, or, added directly to cooked foods like scrambled eggs. Some powdered vitamins are also water soluble and can be added to the drinking water instead. These vitamins, when stored properly are also long lasting, but can be more expensive.

  • Liquid drops are one of the easiest ways to ensure your bird is consuming its daily vitamins because they are added directly to the water. Because of this, it is very important to change the water daily to prevent the vitamins from spoiling. Some brands you can add the liquid to the seeds or over fruits and vegetables as well. Liquid forms are usually moderately priced.

    • If your bird has specific dietary needs, please consult an avian vet before using supplements. Birds on pelleted diets do not need additional vitamins or minerals.

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    You may have noticed that parrot seed mixes, pellet mixes, and cook-able mixes contain dried peppers, pepper flakes, or cayenne! Many parrots love to crunch them up, soak them in their water, or eat the small pepper seeds. Many parrot owners are surprised to learn that birds do not taste the “heat” like we do. What gives peppers their heat is capsaicin. Humans have receptors sensitive to capsaicin, but birds do not! You can also offer fresh peppers like bell peppers, jalapenos, and red and green chilis. Do not offer peppers from jars or cans as they have usually been brined with lots of salt.

    See if your parrot likes spicy foods by offering fresh peppers, or try our Firecracker Flatbread recipe!

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    Lafeber’s Senior Bird Nutri-berries

    Whether purchasing, adopting, or if you already have an older bird, Lafeber’s new Senior Bird Nutri-berries are formulated with them in mind.

    Lafeber’s defines a Senior Bird as one who has reached half of its expected lifespan. Some complications that come with age include arthritis, inflammation, and some dietary deficiencies.

    These nutriberries include herbs like milk thistle, dandelion, and ginger; iron-rich and antioxidant-containing fruits; and pellets. They also have added glucosamine to combat osteoarthritis, and chondroitin to ease joint paint and swelling. Senior Bird Nutri-berries can be fed as the primary diet, or in addition to an existing diet.